Information Literacy: Application Software and Critical Thinking. An Experience and a Proposal.

Cinque, Harriet A.; Santomauro, Dennis J.

This paper describes the development of a course to introduce microcomputer application software to non-computer science majors at Kean College (New Jersey). Topics covered include: (1) background; (2) course content; (3) classroom laboratory design, installation, and management; (4) teaching strategies and student performance and reactions. Some related conceptual issues are then discussed, and a proposal for offering computer literacy as a general education course is presented. The paper concludes with discussions of computer literacy, the rationale for incorporating critical thinking skills in the curriculum, the relationship between application software and critical thinking, and problems with considering the course as a general education offering. (21 references) (MES)